25/09/2024

The Scottish Borders Council held one of it’s Community Conversations at Kelso High School on Thursday 15th August. During the evening’s discussion, concerns were raised as to the support available for people suffering from cancer and requiring to travel to medical appointments, possibly out of the local area. (Cancer Cars)

SBC has received the following response from NHS Borders :

In 2020 the Red Cross were unable to sustain the provision cancer cars due to a number of factors.  Around the same time, NHS Borders developed an Organisational transport service, for people who do not meet SAS criteria and includes people needing Cancer care.  I believe the Red Cross position did impact some of their drivers.

The person making the inquiry can be reassured that free transport for people, who cannot access private or public transport for cancer care, has continued throughout  -  bearing in mind that all services are currently under financial review, including transport.   

Please see link below to the service :

Cancer Support Cars in the Borders area of Scotland provides transportation to and from hospital appointments for people with cancer. The service is based at the Borders Macmillan Centre, and bookings can be made through the Red Cross on 01896 751888

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